The iFly 737 MAX for Microsoft Flight Simulator is about to get its most significant update yet and, as it turns out, its last major upgrade for MSFS 2020. iFly and publisher Flight1 have outlined the feature list for Service Pack 1 (SP1), but within that announcement is a change in direction that reflects how many developers are assessing the longevity of Microsoft’s current flight simulation platforms… and deciding where to place their bets.
SP1 won’t just be a bug-fix roll-up, but a feature-driven release that pushes the MAX’s visual and operational fidelity forward in several areas:
- A clean-slate EFB – iFly is replacing its existing EFB with a tablet-style interface, mounted directly on the cockpit window frame.
- CPDLC over Hoppie – Controller–Pilot Data Link Communications via the Hoppie network means users on VATSIM or IVAO can exchange ATC messages in-sim, just like airline crews. iFly is also looking at compatibility with BATC and SayIntentions.AI.
- Cabin announcements with or without GSX – adding immersion whether you use GSX Pro for boarding or not.
- MAX 8-200 model – with its additional over-wing exits fully modeled in the overhead panel logic.
- Visual refinements – including a visible APU, expanded wheel well detail, re-drawn cabin and cockpit materials, a fuselage with newly added rivets, and multiple seating layouts from 166 to 197 seats.
- Flight logic tuning – particularly LNAV, a persistent talking point among advanced sim pilots.
These changes are still in active or pre-development. They are not yet in beta, but iFly says release will be “some time after” the next three months.
But, while the feature list obviously draws some attention, the more consequential line might be this:
“SP1 will be the last product development with support for MSFS 2020… we will only continue with MSFS 2024 development once SP1 has been released.”
It’s not the first time a developer has declared they’ll stop dual-platform development, but it’s becoming clear that MSFS 2020 users may see more and more new aircraft, systems, and scenery released exclusively for 2024.
The future: MAX 9 first, maybe MAX 10 and MAX 7
Once SP1 lands, iFly’s plan is to go all-in on MSFS 2024-native development. First up will be the MAX 9. The MAX 10 and MAX 7 are on the “consideration” list, but only if those variants achieve full type certification and enter airline service.
